Jaw pain, clicking, and tension headaches tied to TMJ dysfunction often ease with targeted care to the neck and jaw.
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the small but hardworking hinge that connects your jaw to your skull, and when it stops moving smoothly the effects can spread well beyond the jaw. People with TMJ dysfunction often deal with clicking, soreness, trouble chewing, and tension headaches that seem to wrap around the head. At Chiropractic Wellness of Tinley Park, Dr. Jeff Hoekstra treats the jaw and the upper neck together, because the two are closely linked and addressing both tends to give the best relief.
The jaw, the muscles around it, and the upper neck all influence one another. The most common contributors we see in our Tinley Park office include:
Care begins with a thorough exam of the jaw, the surrounding muscles, and the upper neck so we understand what is driving your symptoms. From there, gentle, precise adjustments and muscle work help restore better movement, ease tension, and take strain off the joint. We also look at the posture habits feeding the problem. Many patients find that as the neck and jaw move more freely, the clicking, soreness, and tension headaches start to settle.
A whole-person approach: we focus on gentle jaw and neck care first, and where it fits we may add supportive therapies such as StemWave acoustic wave therapy for tight, overworked muscles. We will only recommend what suits your situation.
Your first visit starts with a conversation and a hands-on exam, then a clear, plain-English explanation of what we found and what we recommend. Many patients receive their first treatment the same day and leave with simple strategies to relax the jaw and protect the joint between visits, plus a realistic plan to ease your symptoms.
Often, yes. The jaw and the upper neck work closely together, so targeted care to the neck and the muscles around the jaw can ease tension, clicking, and the headaches that come with TMJ dysfunction.
It depends on the cause and how long it has been going on. Many patients notice changes within the first few weeks. Dr. Hoekstra will give you a realistic estimate after your exam.
When it makes sense, yes. TMJ care often works best as a team effort. If we think a dental or specialist evaluation would help, we will say so and coordinate where appropriate.
The path to wellness starts here. Book your visit or call and we will find a time that works.